What 182 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Lincoln Mkc

I own a 2017 Lincoln MKC 2.0L EcoBoost that suffered a complete engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers. The vehicle began to misfire, emit thick white smoke, lose power, and quickly became almost undriveable. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346 (June 2019), which describes coolant entering cylinders due to a flaw in the cylinder head/block design. This failure is not the result of neglect or normal wear and tear — my vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Despite this, the engine requires complete replacement at a cost of approximately $9,500. The failure occurred well before what should be the normal service life of an engine, and it matches the same defect pattern reported by many other Lincoln and Ford owners with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in multiple model years. The coolant intrusion defect creates a serious safety hazard because it can cause sudden, unpredictable loss of engine power while driving. If the defect manifests at highway speeds, the driver may experience immediate power loss, inability to accelerate, or complete engine shutdown — increasing the risk of a collision. Ford/Lincoln have issued internal bulletins to dealers acknowledging this problem but have not initiated a public recall. Many owners have been denied coverage due to warranty expiration, despite this being a manufacturing defect. The result is that numerous vehicles with a dangerous and well-documented engine flaw remain in circulation without corrective action. I believe this defect warrants investigation as it poses both a safety risk to drivers and passengers, and a broader consumer protection concern. Premature catastrophic engine failures on relatively low-mileage vehicles undermine public trust and place owners in severe financial hardship. An NHTSA investigation could compel Ford/Lincoln to issue a recall to address this hazard before more vehicles experience unsafe sudden failure

NHTSA ODI 11679650

The Engine light periodically came on. The coolant was low, but no evidence of a leak. We took the car into be evaluated and to was identified as error code P0304 for cylinder #4. The only way to repair is a new engine. The car has 71000 miles on it. During our research it was identified that this is a known issue to Ford, but this has not been acknowledged as a defect/recall. It was recommended to immediately repair as the engine can stop or the car can lose power /control while driving. The car is no longer under warranty. There are tons of reports of this issue, and 130 reported on this site. This is a danger to those driving or if something would happen on a highway, this could cause an accident at high speeds to the other cars trying to avoid a stopped car. Dealers recommend calling to complain to Ford to attempt to get resolution. And there is a class action lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI 11679599

Coolant leak intrusion misfire cyl4 and cyl3 smoke vehicle shut down extreme engine shaking and fire check engile lights class action lawsuits manufacturers refusing to help and dealership is refusing to help. Dealership admits vehicle is unrepairable and has held possession for 75 days

NHTSA ODI 11676236

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11675804

My 2017 Lincoln MKC has engine coolant leaking in to the #4 cylinder. On start-up the engine runs rough, and the check engine light is on. LINCOLN/FORD has a Technical Service Bulletin #22-2229 covering this issue. I believe this is a common problem involving a large number of these engines. LICOLN/FORD will not pay for any replacement costs. I have spent $1414.08 in an attempt to repair this problem. I believe this also causes my car not to be able to pass the Ohio E-Check.

NHTSA ODI 11675902

I was told by my Lincoln dealer that I need to replace the engine on my 2017 MKC. This is due to coolant intrusion issue that seems to be a very common problem with this model. I'm really disappointed, it's a very costly repair ($10,000 +) I only had 85,000 on the car. I was driving on a highway and the car completely shut down. They said the only repair is an engine replacement and are not willing to assist in the costs. The check engine light came on when the engine seized.

NHTSA ODI 11673366

Torque converter failure that has plagued other Ford vehicles of this era having the 2 liter 4 cylinder engines. Please see attached letters to and from Ford and all work orders.

NHTSA ODI 11673011

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672489

I took my vehicle to Rainbow Muffler and Brake due to my engine light on. I was told I had an Evap leak and it may just be my gas cap. I don’t have a gas cap. They turned the light off and it stayed off for a while. A few months later I took it in and was told to do a smoke test. Smoke test showed I need a purge valve ($214 for part from dealer) and Rainbow charged $105 to install. A few weeks later light returns, I take it back to Rainbow. I’m told a tune up $$250. A few weeks later light comes back on. I’m told I needed coils $325. A few weeks later light is back on. I immediately called Rainbow to be told, Lincoln knows there a defect but they aren’t acknowledging it. I filed a complaint with The BBB and my States Attorney General Office.

NHTSA ODI 11671240

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and the #4 coil failure indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and coil #2 was switched with coil #4; however, the failure reoccurred. The independent mechanic reset the codes however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11670243

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the #2 and #3 spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, two days after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again, and the engine started to overheat. The contact checked to coolant level and discovered there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was inspected, and it was determined that the failure was best diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed additional diagnosis for coolant intrusion to determine if the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669809

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The mechanic added coolant to the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine block. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,800.

NHTSA ODI 11665765

THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA MALFUNCTIONS AT TIMES & DISPLAYS A BLUE SCREEN ON THE IN-CAR MONITOR THAT STATES "CAMERA UNAVAILABLE". OTHER TIMES THE IMAGE IN THE MONITOR WILL BE WAVY. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXACERBATED BY WARMER TEMPERATURES. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE.

NHTSA ODI 11664762

Within 4 months, I’ve spent $12k on transmission replacement (refurb.) (Metallics in the fluid), Fuel injectors, etc. The check engine light is still on…Now Im told that coolant is leaking into my engine, and the engine needs replaced! (Coolant intrusion) Another $9k for parts and labor! i just paid the car off! Ive kept up with repairs and service! Ive done everything the dealer has suggested…except replace the engine! I’m still recovering from the cost of the transmission! The 2017 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine has a known defect where coolant leaks into the engine cylinders, often causing misfires, overheating, or engine failure. This issue, linked to faulty engine block and cylinder head design, typically requires engine replacement ($5,000-$9,500). Ford issued TSB 22-2229 but no recall. A class-action lawsuit is ongoing. Check warranty status; report to NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11664057

DearNHTSA, My rear camera is not working properly on my 2017 Lincoln MKC. I reported this incident to you earlier this month. As of yesterday Wednesday May 28, 2025 WXYZ NEWS IN DETROIT, stated a recall on rear view cameras. I truly hope my car will be included in the recall. Thank you very much!

NHTSA ODI 11663579

The rear backup camera nor working properly (show no lines and display the opposite sides)

NHTSA ODI 11661678

My rear view camera is malfunctioning on my 2017 Lincoln. It has been since 2022, I purchased my car in 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11661448

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a road trip, the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The contact was able to continue driving to the destination. The contact stated that the transmission and rear brakes and rotors had previously been replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.

NHTSA ODI 11661456

The rear camera sometimes goes out when the car is in reverse and the screen goes dark. After the car is placed in drive an error message appears that states the camera is unavailable. Now happens almost every time the time the car is placed in reverse.

NHTSA ODI 11659308

August of 2024 I took my vehicle to Island Street Automotive in Stoughton Mass because my engine light kept going off and off. The test showed the cylinder one misfire. They change the spark plugs and cylinder. However, I ended up taking the vehicle back 3 times for the same issue and experienced the same results. By now the check engine light was on all the time. I then realized a week or so later that the coolant was empty. For the next couple of weeks I continued replacing the coolant and had an auto shop look to see where the coolant could be going but they could not figure it out. There wasn't any leaking out of the vehicle. Soon my vehicle would begin shaking at the start up with the engine light blinking and then it would go solid. I decided to take the vehicle to Herb Chambers Lincoln of Norwood where I purchased the vehicle. They never mentioned that there was a bulletin out on this vehicle when I purchased it. It took them 3 days to diagnose. I was told the engine had to be replaced and needed a long block assembly. The charge would have been $8,634.31 plus tax. I called CarShield to put in the claim and they denied it because they found a bulletin out on the engine and stated it was a manufacturers error so they would not honor the claim. I called Lincoln directly and spoke about this issue but they blew me off and said there were no programs to help me pay for the cost of fixing the problem. I reluctantly chose to take the vehicle to North End Motors in Canton. They came up with the same conclusion. The engine was built with an open block and they needed to replace it with a closed block engine because the coolant was leaking into the oil. The charge was $7,494.72 plus tax, less than Herb Chambers. I chose to have the vehicle repaired with much anguish. I was not responsible for the issue with this vehicle but had to pay the astronomical cost. Thank you for reading.

NHTSA ODI 11656025

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the battery monitor sensor message was displayed approximately every five minutes, and the battery warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656029

I have a recurring coolant intrusion problem. Available for inspection. Risk of engine seizing up and running hot. The problem has been identified by a licensed mechanic. The vehicle component has not been inspected by manufactured however this is a known issue by Ford. Check engine light, misfire of cylinder #4 (P0304) and coolant inside cylinder.

NHTSA ODI 11649968

Known issue with the 2.4L turbo engine and coolant leak resulting in need for engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11648871

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11646762

Bought this 2017 Lincoln MKC with 75K miles on 2/21/25. Four days later while driving to work an engine light came on. Continuing on to work the car started running poorly while crossing a rail road track. Seemed like it was gonna quit running right there on the track. Then it started running like it did before except now there is a wrench starting blinking on my instrument panel. Had the engine code checked at O’Riley’s and was informed it was number 3 cylinder misfiring as they recommend a new spark plug and coil. While they checked the code I called the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and I have an appointment scheduled for 10 AM tomorrow. I’m sure they will install a new plug and coil and send me on my way knowing my warranty will be ending in a few more hundred miles . I’ve researched the issue and know the motor needs changed and it should be ford to recall them. I’m handicap now and won’t be able to afford to fix it or buy another vehicle. This isn’t right and does needs to step up to the plate and accept responsibility for their mistake.

NHTSA ODI 11646463